Tibetan spiritual leader Shamar Rinpoche finally cremated in Nepal

The 14th Sharmpa- Mipham Chokyi Lodro Shamar Rinpoche, the second most important figure in the Kam-tsang (Karma) Kagyu tradition in Tibetan Buddhism, was finally cremated according to his wishes at Shar Minub monastery on Thursday after over one and half month of his passing away.

Shamar Rinpoche also known as 'Red Hat Karmapa' was the mentor of Trinley Thaye Dorje, one of the three claimants to the title of 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu Sect.

Sharmapa (62) died due to heart attack on June 11 at a Buddhist center in Germany. Nepal had earlier prevented followers of Sharmapa from bringing the body into the country, citing the reason that monk had Bhutanese diplomatic passport.

The Nepalese embassy in New Delhi had initially issued a 'no objection letter' for the body of Rinpoche to be taken to Nepal for the last rituals. However, the decision was reversed after Nepal's ministry of foreign affairs issued directives to revoke the permission.

After an impasse of over one month, the Nepal government in the cabinet meeting held on July 29 decided to allow Rinpoche's body to be brought in from India stating that he contributed a lot to the Buddhism.

His body was first kept at the Karmapa Buddhist Institute in New Delhi till July 1, and then was enshrined at the Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Academy in Kalingpong, West Bengal.